고대 문헌에 나타난 ‘天降’의 의미 고찰

Abstract

In this study, we address a literal⋅historical understanding of ‘Cheongang(天降)’, which was interpreted as ‘come down from the sky(or heaven)’. Cheongang is emerging element in the process of founding the ancient state. An existing interpretation that come down from the sky(or heaven) was came from an understanding of myth frame. In myth frame, ‘Cheongang(天降)’ was interpreted that, we emphasize sacredness through the connection with the heavens or emphasizing the legitimacy of government. But simultaneously, it has also served as a limit that made an accurate review of the times and circumstance impossible. The interpretation of Cheongang(天降), ‘come down from the sky(heaven)’, is the result of faithful application of the primary meaning as written in dictionary. Cheon(天) is sky(heaven), gang(降) is come down or refers to the act of surrendering to the enemy. From the comprehensive analysis of the records of other ancient literature and the excavated texts, we can understand cheon(天)’s various meanings. In addition to the abstract meaning of sky, cheon(天) points to the existence of the most precious and high-ranking area or person in the world. However, people cannot come down from the sky. Therefore the Cheongang(天降) that defined as the come down from the sky is unscientific and unrealistic. This is the result of the lack of understanding about the meaning of Cheon(天) and Gang(降). In here, we extensively collected the excavated texts and literature of the related to ancient Cheon(天) and Gang(降) made a literal analysis and discussion of the character shape and meaning of Cheongang(天降).